Why do weapons have requirements if you can use them anway withouth the requirements?

I have a shield that requires 9 tactics. I only have 5 tactics, yet I still can equip the shield and use it. Am I missing out on the shields benefits? it is a gold shield 16 armor -2 damage when hexed. (is that good?)

you don't get the full 16 AL if you don't meet the req. so, you can still equip it, but you won't be getting the full stats.

You won't get the full benefit if you don't meet minimum requirements.

^beat me to it

thanks for the quick reply. So how can I tell how much of the benefit I get? say I have 5 tactics and my shield is +16 with a minimum requirement of 9 tactics? Would I get a percentage of the +16 or none of it? 9 tactics seems pretty high to me as I have almost all of my points in strength and swordsmanship. To get to 9 tactics, should I draw points out of strength or swordsmanship?

You get the same stats as a starter item of same type. Shields I believe have a starter AL of 3 or 5. Not sure which (haven't played warrior, or pre-searing in a long time).

a.k.a Then the shield is pointless so why bother bringing it.

Well, the beauty of this game is I can change my attributs to be able to use the sword. Like I said, I have 11 strength, 12 swordsmanship and 9 beast mastery. I have 5 tactics ( I think) which attribute should I take away from to reach 9 tactics? Is it even worth it? if not, how much would a gold tall shield +16 armor -2 dmg when hexed sell for?